Denham named rail subcommittee chair

Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA), member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was named chairman of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee for the 113th Congress.

Denham has been a vocal opponent to the proposed high-speed rail project in California, raising concerns about the uncertainty of the financial state of the program. On the freight side of the industry, Denham was an early sponsor of H.R.721, to extend the Section 45G shortline railroad tax credit. The tax credit was successfully extended as part of the "fiscal cliff" package deal passed in early January.

"I am honored to have been selected to chair the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the 113th Congress," said Denham. "Rail transportation is the backbone of America's economy and I look forward to the opportunity to look for more cost-effective and innovative approaches to passenger and freight rail service in order to generate American jobs and promote economic development."

U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) made the announcement on Jan. 16.

"Jeff Denham has proven himself to be a strong leader on transportation issues and I look forward to working with him closely as we tackle our nation's pressing transportation challenges," said Shuster. "His leadership will aid the Committee in pursuing an aggressive agenda focused on strengthening and improving America's rail transportation system and increasing efficiency and accountability."